Gurdaspur Father Seeks Government Help for Italy Visa After Son's Tragic Murder
In a heart-wrenching appeal from Gurdaspur's Dargabad village, former sarpanch Amrik Singh has called upon the Central Government to urgently facilitate visas for him and his family members. This desperate request comes as they struggle to cope with the devastating loss of his son, Rajinder Singh Rummy, who was recently shot dead outside a gurdwara in Italy.
Emotional Plea from a Grieving Father
Speaking to mediapersons with visible emotion, Amrik Singh explained that Rajinder Singh's immediate family is settled in Italy and, due to current circumstances, cannot travel to India. "We want the government to help us get visas on priority so we can go there, stand with the family, and perform the last rites," said the grieving father, who is trying to come to terms with his son's untimely death.
Details of the Italy Tragedy
Rajinder Singh (48), who had been living in Italy for nearly 24 years, is survived by his wife and children, all settled there. According to relatives, Rajinder previously served as president of a Gurdwara in Covo, Bergamo, and was actively engaged in organizing religious events and community service.
The tragic incident occurred on the occasion of Baisakhi, when a Nagar Kirtan procession was scheduled. Rajinder Singh had gone to the gurdwara carrying langar for the congregation. As he stepped outside, he was shot. One of his associates was also hit in the attack, and both succumbed to their injuries.
Suspected Internal Disputes Behind the Killing
Family members strongly suspect the murder is linked to internal disputes within the gurdwara management. They claim tensions had been brewing over committee control, particularly after a close associate named Ranjit was recently elected president of the gurdwara committee—a development that reportedly did not sit well with a rival faction.
"I repeatedly asked my son to stay away from committee politics, but he believed in seva and continued his involvement," revealed his father, highlighting Rajinder's commitment to community service despite the risks.
Police Investigation Points to Targeted Attack
Initial reports from local police in Italy suggest this was not a spontaneous clash but rather a premeditated "targeted killing." The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances behind the shooting.
Mourning in Dargabad Village
Back in Dargabad village, the family remains in deep mourning, with relatives and villagers gathering to offer condolences and support. The community has been shaken by the violent death of their native son in a foreign land.
Separate Incident of Gurdwara Violence in Germany
In a related development, violence erupted at a gurdwara in the western German town of Moers on Sunday, leaving at least 11 people injured and forcing police to launch a large-scale operation. According to German media reports:
- A dispute escalated into a major clash involving more than 40 persons
- Eyewitnesses reported participants using knives, pepper spray, and even a firearm during the confrontation
- Several videos circulating on social media showed chaotic brawls
- Police confirmed at least one person was detained in connection with the incident
These separate incidents of violence at Sikh religious institutions in Europe have raised concerns about community safety and internal disputes within diaspora communities.
